Presentation assembly, with grouping tray and items having a round base such as yoghurt pots

ABSTRACT

The items ( 2 ) having a round base are grouped together on a tray ( 4 ) to form a presentation assembly ( 1 ) that allows the items to be kept in a specific orientation in rows (R 1 , R 2 , R 3 , R 4 ), even in the absence of locking projections or shapes in the cavities defined by recesses ( 3 ) in the tray. Each of the items ( 2 ) has, at the upper end of the recipient ( 5 ), a flange ( 5   c ) that supports a closing element ( 12 ). The flange has at least two blocking edges ( 14, 15, 16, 17 ) cut in a non-circular shape, and the distribution of the cavities allows two blocking edges ( 16′, 17 ) of two adjacent items to bear against each other, directly or indirectly, preventing items ( 2 ) from rotating individually relative to the tray ( 4 ).

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to devices for the presentation of consumer goods, which are typically sold on store shelves or some other display means. It more specifically relates to assemblies intended for presentation in a display means, composed of a common grouping support and of items which have a round base, typically such as yoghurt pots, and are kept grouped together by means of a pattern of recesses formed in the common support.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This type of assembly is encountered in the field of agribusiness, especially for the packaging of bottles or cup-shaped beverage containers. These items typically include a label with information that is presented facing the consumer when the presentation assembly is on a shelf. When the base of the items is round (with rotational symmetry around a vertical axis, at the base of the item) or when the cavities are of reduced height compared to the height of the items, an inaccuracy in the presentation of these items is often encountered. In the case of products having a round base, rotation modifies the direction of presentation of one or more labels. And if the items are not tightly gripped to hold them in place in the cavities, the organization of the presentation is disrupted when an operator conveys the packaging assembly to its destination (shelf in a department). Such disorder is also observed when the items are handled by consumers on the shelves. In all cases, the store clerk has to waste time properly repositioning the items if an optimal presentation is desired.

It is known from U.S. Pat. No. 4,944,400 to use grouping and presentation trays that have reliefs near the upper opening of the cavities. This type of solution is complex to implement, however. In addition, particularly in the case of yoghurt pots or similar containers which are formed with very little plastic material, the integrity of the item may be affected by its contact with the reliefs.

Also known, from U.S. Pat. No. 5,695,060, is a tray for grouping yoghurt pots that adapts to a wide variety of pot formats. An elastically flexible tongue is provided on one side of the cavity that houses the circular base of a pot.

This solution ensures that the spacing between items does not change, due to the engagement and retention of the round base and cavities. However, one disadvantage of this type of solution is the high cost of the tray, while the tray may be discarded after only one or two uses. In addition, the engagement against the base of the yoghurt pot tends to deform the sidewall of the pot which is very fragile (the sidewall being especially thin and fragile at this point as there is generally no decorative band label near the base of the pot).

There is therefore a need for more practical assemblies for presenting yoghurt pots or similar items having a round/circular base, held in cavities of a support.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention aims to overcome one or more of the disadvantages encountered in the prior art.

To this end, the invention proposes a presentation assembly for items having a round base, comprising:

a self-supporting grouping tray which comprises a plurality of cavities forming cavities distributed in two distinct directions (for example perpendicular) and defining at least two rows of cavities, each cavity being delimited by a bottom wall and a continuous or discontinuous inner face, the tray defining a plane which is horizontal in a presentation configuration of the assembly;

a plurality of items having a round base, each placed in one of the cavities, preferably with a slight clearance with respect to the associated inner face, and wherein each item comprises:

-   -   a container having said round base in contact with the         associated bottom wall, a sidewall of circular cross-section at         least near the base, and a flange which extends around a         container opening parallel to the tray plane, the sidewall         joining said flange which forms an upper face of the container;         and     -   a closing element in contact with the upper face of the         container and which closes said opening;         each flange having at least two blocking edges which each have a         non-circular outer edge, preferably straight, the items placed         in the cavities having the same angular orientation         (predetermined orientation) in each of the rows such that two         blocking edges of two adjacent items bear against one another,         directly or indirectly, to prevent the individual rotation of         items relative to the tray.

With these arrangements, the initial position of the items relative to the tray is maintained in a surprisingly effective manner, without excessive radial pressure of the inner face of the recesses against the sidewall of the item. Mobility in the vertical direction is prevented by the individual retention of the items within the recesses (with the base of the item in contact with the bottom wall of the cavities). It is also understood that any tilting movement is limited or even prevented due to the correspondence in shape between the recesses (typically of circular cross-section) and the base of the item. Rotation of the item about its central axis (vertical axis) is also sufficiently limited or prevented by the contact between the blocking edges, so that the angular orientation of the item in the row is unchanged or the rotation is so slight that the orientation is perceived as unchanged.

Advantageously, the item may include a promotional object or a utensil for collecting the content (for example a spoon or straw) which is effectively presented on the side of the item that corresponds to the presentation side of the tray (the side facing the consumer in the display, the object being positioned above the recesses). Additionally or alternatively, the item may have a label (for example on the top) which is oriented so that the reading direction corresponds to the consumer's view facing the presentation side of the tray.

One will note that this type of retention is of comparable efficacy to what is obtained when the top of the item has a relief that cooperates with a tray above it (as in the solution in U.S. Pat. No. 4,944,400 with multiple assemblies that are stacked), but with the advantage of further obtaining a rotation-prevention effect without being tightly gripped in the cavities. In addition, the invention allows providing a presentation assembly in which the items are fully visible from above, and are also visible from at least one side (the presentation side) and possibly several sides.

In preferred embodiments of the invention, one or more of the following arrangements may possibly be used:

-   -   the tray comprises a substantially flat bottom which includes         the bottom walls of the cavities (the overall height of the         assembly is therefore typically only dependent on the height of         the items);     -   the flange is thicker and more rigid than the sidewall (so that         the engagement between two blocking edges typically occurs along         a height of at least about 1 or 2 mm);     -   the maximum distance between two bottom walls of two adjacent         cavities is less than or equal to 20 mm and the maximum distance         between two openings of two adjacent items is less than or equal         to 14 mm; in addition, the recesses may be flared with an upper         opening that is wider than the bottom wall (the spacing between         the individual items being determined by the spacing between         recesses, it is advantageous to optimize filling the items by         using openings that are wider than the bottom of the cavities         and preferably at least as wide as the upper opening of the         cavities);     -   the items each have a same determined height and the cavities         have a maximum height that is less than half the determined         height, and preferably less than or equal to one third the         determined height (this allows using decorative band labels         and/or attaching at least one object to the sidewall of the         item, with a height of the band label or of the object that can         be greater than half the determined height);     -   the tray has a periphery with at least two parallel edges of         which at least one has a maximum height that is less than the         maximum height of the cavities (one of these edges may typically         form the presentation side and may define a length of the tray         when the tray is rectangular);     -   the inner face extends continuously about a central axis of the         cavity and has a substantially circular cross-section (at least         near the bottom wall);     -   the two blocking edges of two adjacent items that bear against         one another are connected to one another at a breakable joining         (this is advantageous for the consumer who can directly take a         pack of at least two items);     -   the breakable joining is formed between two straight outer edges         of said two blocking edges.     -   the ratio between the length of the breakable joining and the         diameter of the container opening is between 1:10 and 1:0.8, and         preferably between 1:5 and 1:1.     -   the items are grouped into groups of exactly two items connected         by the breakable joining;     -   the two blocking edges of two adjacent items which bear against         one another are separated by a distance of less than 5 mm, and         preferably less than 2 or 3 mm;     -   the maximum distance between the two blocking edges is smaller         than the portion of the perimeter formed by each of the two         blocking edges, for example smaller by at least a factor of 10;     -   the tray is composed of a material that is impermeable to water         and is rigid or semi-rigid;     -   the tray is molded as a single piece;     -   the thickness of the tray material is substantially constant         with a maximum thickness of less than 2 mm and preferably less         than or equal to 1 mm, the component material of the tray being         for example a thermoplastic polymer;     -   each item weighs at least 100 g and the maximum height of the         inner face is between 5 and 30 mm, preferably between 10 and 25         mm;     -   the maximum distance between the sidewall of the item and the         inner face defining the cavity is less than 3 mm and greater         than 0.5 mm.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

Other features and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following description of several embodiments, given as non-limiting examples, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a presentation assembly according to a first embodiment of the invention, grouping a dozen items;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the tray used in the presentation assembly in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 illustrates the formation of a presentation assembly according to a second embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 4A is a top view illustrating an exemplary cutting of the flanges in the items of a presentation assembly according to a third embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 4B shows a single item usable in the assembly of FIG. 4A and which includes an object fixed to the upper portion of the container;

FIGS. 5A and 5B are respective top and sectional views of two rows of items retained in the presentation position in the cavities of a tray;

FIG. 6 is a top view which illustrates a variant with spacing between items that differs in the two respective directions of the tray;

FIG. 7 is a top view which illustrates a variant embodiment with a staggered-row distribution of items in the presentation assembly.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

In the various figures, identical references indicate identical or similar elements.

FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of the presentation assembly 1, here with the items 2 aligned in substantially parallel rows R1, R2, R3, R4. Each item 2, which corresponds to a pot filled with a dairy product or other food content C, is inserted into a concave recess 3 formed in a self-supporting tray 4 which allows grouping the items 2. The distribution of the recesses 3 forms the rows R1, R2, R3, R4. The recesses are, for example, aligned from what we will call the presentation side 4 a (which can correspond to the side proximal to the consumer) to an opposite side 4 d (distal side) of the tray 4. The distribution of the recesses 3 defines two distinct directions.

The two directions of alignment of the recesses 3 are preferably perpendicular, which allows optimizing the filling of a tray 4 of rectangular shape. While the examples illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 6 show an arrangement with no offset in the position of two adjacent rows, it is possible to use a tray with a slight offset or staggered arrangement of the items 2, as is clearly visible in FIG. 7. in this case, one can have, for example, two non-straight sides and a straight presentation side 4 a. The rows R1 and R4 which contain at least one item 2 positioned along the non-straight sides (here with a convex edge) may contain one item less than the other rows R2 and R3.

Furthermore, it is understood that the number of recesses 3 may vary in order to accommodate the desired number of items 2. The number of rows R1, R2, R3, and R4 may vary and the number of items 2 per row may be for example between 2 and 10, preferably between 3 and 6. It is understood that the number of items 2 in the assembly 1 can typically vary between 4 and 100.

In a preferred embodiment, each item 2 can be grasped with one hand and may consist of a pot for a food product, which comprises for example a yoghurt product, or a similar container closed by a closing element 12. A sealing membrane which typically can be flat may form the closing element 12. The container 5 here forms the base 2 a of the item 2 and comprises an opening 5 a which may be for example at least as wide as the base 2 a. The geometry of the opening 5 a may vary and the example of a circular opening is given by way of non-limiting example.

In contrast, the base 2 a of the item 2 has a format with a continuously curved outer edge, so that the base 2 a is round, as is the cavity 8 defined by each of the recesses 3. Therefore, when a single item 2 is placed on the tray 4, a rotational movement of the item 2 about the central axis X of the cavity 8 can easily be performed while the base 2 a is housed in the recess 3. There is a slight clearance between the sidewall 5 b of the container 5 and the tray 4 (with a maximum distance or lateral spacing for example of less than 3 mm) which is sufficient (for example with a lateral spacing of at least 0.5 mm) to minimize friction against the sidewall 5 b. It is understood here that the term “round base” means that the bottom of the container 5 has a circular cross-section (any other interpretation is illogical).

Referring to FIGS. 1, 3, and 4B, the sidewall 5 b of the container 5, which extends from the base 2 a to a flange 5 c surrounding the opening 5 a, is preferably also of circular profile at least near the base 2 a. FIG. 4B illustrates the longitudinal axis Y of a container 5. It is understood that this longitudinal axis Y substantially coincides with the central axis X of the cavity 8 when the item 2 is grouped with other items 2 in the tray 4. The base 2 a has a diameter d which is smaller than the substantially constant diameter D of an upper portion 10 of the container 5, which is substantially cylindrical and suitable for covering with a decorative band label 6. This decorative band label 6 is formed for example by a sticker or a thin film that is heat-set and printed. Of course, containers 5 having a different upper portion 10 may be used, for example with a conical sidewall forming a flared container.

The items 2, having a round base 2 a, are each placed in a corresponding cavity 8 (clearly visible in FIG. 2) which is defined here by one of the recesses 3. The base 2 a can then be in contact with a bottom wall 3 a of the recesses 3 in order to reduce the overall height of the presentation assembly 1. The bottom wall 3 a is part of a base plane P (bottom plane) defined by the tray 4. The inner face 3 b, which defines the cavity 8 laterally, has a substantially circular cross-section and preferably extends continuously around the central axis X. The tray 4 has a determined height h4, measured from the base plane P, which may for example substantially correspond to the depth of the cavities 8. The recesses 3 may have a bowl shape, possibly cleft, in order to enlarge the upper opening of the cavity 8, or may have a continuously circular cross-section in order to define a cylindrical cavity.

The tray 4 shown in the figures is made of a material that is plastic and/or impermeable to water and the cavities 8 are obtained during formation of the recesses 3. However, it is understood that the cavities 8 may be formed other than by pressure and that the tray 4 may be composed of a wide variety of materials.

With multiple presentation assemblies that are stacked, the tray 4 may be supported by the tops of items 2 of another assembly. In a manner known per se in the food packaging industry, stacks of presentation assemblies 1 can be formed and placed on a pallet for transport. The bottom walls 3 a preferably have a planar bottom surface which has a circular periphery, for example with a diameter corresponding to at least two thirds of diameter D5. More generally, it is practical for stacking to have the largest dimension or the diameter (slightly greater than the inner diameter d4 visible in FIG. 3B) of the planar bottom surface of the bottom walls 3 a be greater than half the diameter D5. This allows stacking identical assemblies 1 while effectively distributing the load of the upper layers. Alternatively, the arrangement of the items 2 may be different between two successive levels in the stack and/or the trays 4 may have different dimensions.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 5B, the correspondence of shape between the lower portion 9 of the container 5 and the recess 3 is such that the lower portion 9 is inserted with a slight clearance relative to the associated inner face 3 b of the recess 3. This clearance is, for example, about 2 mm when the diameter d of the base 2 a is at least 40 mm, and more generally, the term “small clearance” is understood here to mean a difference of less than 8%, and preferably less than 5%, between the diameter D4 defined at the upper opening of the cavity 8 and the diameter D of the upper portion 10 of the container 5.

In the example in the figures, one will note that the tray 4 has a periphery with at least two parallel edges. In addition, at least one of these edges, preferably on the presentation side 4 a, may optionally have a maximum height h2 (FIG. 2) that is less than the maximum height h1 of the cavities 8.

Referring to FIG. 2, the maximum height h1 of the cavities 8 is less than half the height H of the items 2. This allows easily grasping a single item 2, and optimizing the visible surface of the upper portion 10 which here is covered by the decorative band label 6. A ratio of about 1:3 for h1/H may be preferred, in order to minimize the amount of material used to make the tray 4. At least on the presentation side 4 a, the height of the cavities 8 may be locally reduced. This height h1 may also be less than the inside diameter d4 of the bottom of the cavity 8.

For example, the upper face of the tray 4 may be partly or entirely inclined toward the presentation side 4 a. FIGS. 1 and 2 thus show an upper face which includes an inclined portion 4 b and a generally horizontal portion 4 c. The proximal cavities 8 relative to the presentation side 4 a, which each have their openings in the inclined portion 4 b, surround the lower portion 9 of the items 2 less than the other cavities 8. Alternatively, as in the case shown in FIG. 5B, the upper face of the tray 4 may be substantially horizontal.

The container 5 is, for example, made of plastic and thermoformed, with a sidewall 5 b which is very thin. The container 5 is obtained by means of thermoforming a plastic sheet to form the volume of the container body. The plastic sheet is heated and then stretched into mold cavities using vacuum or pressure. The flange 5 c of the container 5, which has an annular form, is not deformed during manufacture of the container 5. It is therefore thicker and more rigid than the sidewall 5 b.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 3, the flange 5 c extends around the opening 5 a, parallel to the plane P of the tray 4. The flange 5 c forms an upper face of the container 5 which receives the closing element 12 to close the opening 5 a. This closing element 12 is thinner than the flange 5 c.

Optionally, the closing element 12 has an upper face 12 a that is printed and/or supports an accessory object or a coupon. This type of object is typically housed in a plastic bag adhered to the upper face of the closing element 12. Identifying the object and/or reading text printed on the upper face 12 a is greatly facilitated if the item 2 is oriented in the proper direction relative to the presentation side 4 a of the tray 4 (the side facing the consumer). The same is true for the identification of the content C of the container 5, which is typically displayed on only one side of the container 5. For example, a display area or a label portion 6 a are found on this side, which does not exceed one third of the perimeter of the band label 6. Often the side providing visual identification of the content C is distinguished from the price coding side (with the presence of a conventional barcode or two-dimensional barcode), as a detailed list of the ingredients of the content C may also be displayed on the decorative band label 6.

In the example of FIG. 4B, the additional object is a spoon 13 housed in a transparent plastic bag S. Here it is a spoon 13 (which may possibly have a telescoping handle), but any other object can be so mounted on the item 2 having a round base. The attachment, for example by gluing with a bead of adhesive material, is known per se. The object may advantageously be visible from the presentation side 4 a of the tray 4, as the orientation of items 2 is adjusted in the factory during placement in the tray 4, typically prior to placing the assembly 1 in a box for shipment. Of course, it is possible to combine options, such as adding a coupon fixed to the side of the item 2 as well as a promotional object or utensil (spoon or other object) attached to the upper face 12 a of the closing element 12.

Examples of maintaining the orientation of the items 2 in the assembly presentation 1 will now be described with reference to FIGS. 1-2, 4A-4B, 5A-5B, and 7.

In the assemblies 1 shown in FIGS. 1, 4A and 5A, and 6-7, the items 2 are directly separable from each other, without any attachment. This allows a consumer to select and remove an item 2. The flanges 5 c may optionally be spaced apart by a distance e that is greater than or equal to 1 mm (spacing distance e clearly visible in FIGS. 5A-5B). The flanges 5, which lie at exactly the same height level relative to the plane P (base plane) of the tray 4, have at least two edges with a non-circular outer edge, and here in particular four edges with a non-circular outer edge. These edges, which are straight here, constitute the blocking edges 14, 15, 16, 17.

In the example shown in FIG. 1, the four blocking edges 14, 15, 16, 17 define a virtual square. Here, the items 2 are housed in the cavities 8 while having the same angular orientation in each of the rows R1, R2, R3, R4, and blocking edges 14 and 15 are each parallel to the longitudinal direction of rows R1, R2, R3, R4. The distance e between two facing blocking edges 16 and 17′ of two adjacent items 2 is then typically less than 5 mm, and preferably less than 2 or 3 mm. This closeness is permitted by the distribution of the recesses 3 in the tray 4.

In the absence of rounded blocking edges 16 and 17, it is understood that rotation on itself of the item 2 located in row R3 is prevented because blocking edge 16 immediately abuts against the facing blocking edge 17′ (blocking edge 17′ of the item located immediately in front in row R3). The same blocking effect is obtained at the opposite side at blocking edge 17 which presses against blocking edge 16′ of an item located immediately behind in row R3.

In other words, it is understood that for a given item 2, several neighboring items form a rotation-prevention system with complementary connecting or mating surfaces engaging with the outer periphery of the flange 5 c of the item 2. The non-circular outer periphery of the flange 5 c which provides the rotation-prevention effect is defined by a peripheral edge which preferably comprises an even number of straight edges, for example with rounded corners between two adjacent blocking edges. At least one corner portion 18 of the flange 5C may have a larger surface area to facilitate detachment of the closing element 12.

Thus, a rotation-prevention effect is obtained which maintains the orientation of the items 2 in the corresponding row, for example row R3. This effect can be obtained even when the items 2 of adjacent rows R2 and R4 are removed from the assembly 1. More generally, one can use items 2 having two blocking edges 14 and 15 or 14 and 16 which prevent rotation by pressing against a facing complementary edge. It is further understood that the pressing of the blocking edge 14, 15, 16, 17 against an edge acting as a stop may be direct or indirect. Indeed, a relatively thin intermediate wall portion between two adjacent flanges 5 c may be provided, for example to mark a visible separation between two types of content. For example, rows R1 and R2 may contain a first type of content (corresponding to a first flavor for example) and rows R3 and R4 may contain a second type of content (corresponding to a second flavor for example). The intermediate wall portion, removable from the tray 4 and visible due to its protruding beyond the level of the flanges 5 c, then forms a straight divider bearing on the blocking edges, such that it does not impair the rotation-prevention effect.

As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 5A, it may be advantageous to reduce the length of one or more of the blocking edges 14, 15, 16, 17, particularly when they are straight, in order to save material in creating the flange 5 c. The reduction in length or the possible discontinuity of the area of engagement B between the blocking edges is insufficient to prevent adjacent flanges 5 from providing edge-to-edge support. It can be seen that the length L1 of a blocking edge (measured between the ends that engage with the adjacent edge) typically remains higher by a factor of at least 10 to the spacing distance e (FIG. 5B) between two adjacent flanges 5 c.

When the flange 5 c has such straight edges, the ratio between the length L1 of a blocking edge and the diameter D5 of the opening 5 a of the container 5 may be between 1:10 and 1:0.8, and preferably between 1:5 and 1:1. In the example of FIGS. 1 and 5A, one can see that the ratio L1/D5 for blocking edge 14 is between 1:5 and 1:2, which allows significantly reducing the amount of plastic in the flange 5 c. In this case, it is preferable that the distance between two adjacent blocking edges is less than or equal to 1 or 2 mm.

Referring to FIG. 4A, the area of engagement B′ between the blocking edges is more extensive, which promotes excellent preservation of the orientation of the items 2 in the tray 4. In this case, the distance e between two adjacent blocking edges may be optionally increased, preferably not to exceed 3 mm. FIG. 4B shows an item 2 of the presentation assembly 1 of FIG. 4A. Here, the flange 5 c has a plurality of straight outer edges 25. Even with a flange 5 c of relatively small thickness (for example about 100 microns), rotation prevention is observed due to the interaction at the flanges 5 c which have such a non-circular outer edge. The pressure or contact between the flanges 5 c complements the individual retention of each item 2 by its lower portion 9 in the cavities 8.

In the alternative option shown in FIG. 7, the tray 4′ has a staggered distribution of the cavities 8. This distribution allows a single blocking edge 16 or 17, which extends lengthwise relative to the rows R1′, R2′, R3′, R4′, to bear against the facing blocking edges of two adjacent flanges 5 c so as to prevent rotation of the items 2 inserted into the cavities 8. With this configuration of the presentation assembly 1′, we again obtain excellent preservation of the orientation of the items 2 in the tray 4′.

Referring to FIGS. 1-2 and 5B, the cavities 8 formed in the tray 4 are preferably very close to one another, to minimize the gap between the sidewalls 5 b of adjacent items 2. The number of items 2 in the presentation assembly 1 can thus be optimized. As an example, two bottom walls 3 a of two adjacent cavities 8 of the same tray 4 are separated by a maximum distance d3 that is less than or equal to 20 mm. The maximum distance d5 between two openings 5 a of two adjacent items 2 may be less than or equal to 14 mm (and less than the distance d3). This closeness will minimize the radial extent of the flanges 5 c (this extent is measured between the inner face which defines the opening 5 a and a point on the periphery of the flange 5 c). One will also note that the blocking edges 14, 15, 16, 17 may extend into an area of the flange 5 c that has the minimum radial extension.

Referring now to FIG. 6, it is also possible to extend the radial extent of the flanges 5 c locally and/or to use only two blocking edges 16, 17. In the variant shown here, each flange 5 c is rounded on two opposite sides and also has two blocking edges 16, 17 which optionally have a length equal to or slightly greater than the diameter D5 of the opening 5 a of the container 5. When the items 2 present this type of flange 5 c, a tray 4 similar to that used in FIG. 1-2, 3B, 4A, or 5A may be used, with substantially equal spacing between the cavities 8 in the two directions of distribution of these cavities. However, to minimize the amount of material used to make the flange 5 c, the cavities 8 of a same row R1 or R2 may be closer together compared to the lateral spacing between cavities 8 of two adjacent rows. The areas of engagement B here are particularly extensive, and effective preservation of the orientation of the items 2 is obtained.

It may be noted that items 2 such as those shown in FIG. 1, 4A, or 6 may be paired, for example by using an additional packaging component that establishes the connection in the upper part of two items 2 of the same row R1 or R2.

Another example of preserving the orientation of the items 2 in the presentation assembly 1 will now be described with reference to FIGS. 3A and 3B.

In this case, it should first be noted that the tray 4 may be identical or similar to what is shown in FIG. 1-2, 4A, 5A-5B, or 6. Here, the uniqueness lies in the fact that the items 2 are part of a pack 30, interconnected within this pack 30 so that they are detachable at their flange 5 c. The closing elements 12 may also be interconnected in the same joining area. The detachable connection is obtained by a contact between two blocking edges 16′, 17 of two adjacent sections 2. Thus, the two blocking edges 16′, 17 are connected to each other at a breakable joining J. Each item 2 is connected in this manner to at least two other adjacent items in the pack. Multiple packs 30 having an identical or differing number of items 2 may be placed on the tray 4 with insertion of the lower portions 9 into the cavities 8. It is understood that the spacing of the lower portions 9 in a pack 30 is identical to the spacing between the cavities 8 (same spatial distribution).

In this non-limiting example, each flange 5 has a generally rectangular or square external shape and the breakable joining J is formed between two straight outer edges of the two blocking edges 16′ and 17. As in the other examples, the length of the blocking edges can vary. Thus, the ratio between the length L2 of the breakable joining J and the diameter D5 of the opening 5 a of the container 5 may be between 1:10 and 1:0.8, and preferably between 1:5 and 1:1.

When the items 2, filled and hermetically sealed by the closing element 12, are inserted into the cavities 8 of the tray 4, the central axis X of the cavity 8 can define an axis of symmetry or an axis of rotation for the item 2. However, due to the firm abutment between the blocking edges, no rotation is possible. Other formats for the flange 5 c may of course be used, possibly with blocking edges 14, 15, 16, 17 that are shorter, wavy, or discontinuous. In addition, in packs 30 comprising a single row, the format shown in FIG. 6 is of course usable.

In this example where packs 30 are used, one will note that an accidental or deliberate detachment of the connection between items 2 of a pack 30 does not cause a noticeable presentation deficiency in the items 2 of the presentation assembly 1. In addition, the rotation-prevention effect is maintained due to the complementary blocking edges 16′ and 17 which have a non-circular cut.

The shape of the flanges 5 c may, of course, be of the type shown in FIGS. 1, A4, and 6. The breakable joining J in this case can then allow pairing two items 2. The pairing (to obtain items in sets of two) may be done along the rows R1-R4 and/or perpendicularly.

One advantage of the invention lies in the fact that the orientation of the items 2, which can be established in the factory during placement of the items 2 in the tray 4, is in practice impossible or very difficult to change involuntarily. This allows defining a presentation side 4 a of the tray 4, which is known to correspond to the side of the item 2 to be visible in a display. This is, for example, a side with the characteristic indication of the content C and/or a picture representative of the flavor of the content C on a label portion 6 a.

It should be obvious to those skilled in the art that the invention allows embodiments in many other specific forms without departing from the scope of the invention as claimed. In particular, although the description mentions examples with continuous and straight outer edges 25 for implementing the non-circular blocking edges 14, 15, 16, 17, a person skilled in the art can appreciate that any other flange 5 c format, for example with wavy edges and/or facing edges that present complementary shapes, can provide blocking edges spaced slightly apart to form a rotation-prevention abutment.

In addition, the invention is not limited to applications for grouping and displaying pots for food products such as yoghurt pots. In particular, the items 2 may have a similar format without containing a dairy product. As non-limiting examples of semi-liquid food compositions, we can mention desserts, edible compositions that can be eaten with a spoon (which includes cakes), fresh fermented products, compotes, and sauces. The containers 5 may have a capacity of 50 to 500 g, preferably 75 to 200 g. In addition, it is possible to use items 2 having an upper end that is configured differently, if a flange distanced from the lower portion 9 of the container 5 and projecting laterally is provided to block rotational movement of these items 2 having a round base. 

1. A presentation assembly for items having a round base, comprising: a self-supporting grouping tray which comprises a plurality of cavities distributed in two distinct directions and defining at least two rows of cavities, each cavity-being delimited by a bottom wall and an inner face that is continuous or discontinuous, the tray defining a plane which is horizontal in a presentation configuration of the presentation assembly; a plurality of items having a round base, each placed in one of the cavities in a storage configuration, each of the items being individually movable in rotation in the storage configuration when the other items have been extracted from the tray, wherein each item comprises: a container having said round base in contact with an associated bottom wall, a sidewall of circular cross-section at least near the base, and a flange which extends around a container opening-parallel to the tray plane, the sidewall joining said flange which forms an upper face of the container; and a closing element in contact with the upper face of the container and which closes the opening; and wherein each flange has at least two blocking edges which each have a non-circular outer edge, the items placed in the cavities having same angular orientation in each of the rows such that two blocking edges of a group of two adjacent items bear against one another, to prevent the individual rotation of items of the group relative to the tray.
 2. The presentation assembly according to claim 1, wherein the flange is thicker and more rigid than the sidewall.
 3. The presentation assembly according to claim 1, wherein the maximum distance between two bottom walls of two adjacent cavities is less than or equal to 20 mm and the maximum distance between two openings of two adjacent items is less than or equal to 14 mm.
 4. The presentation assembly according to claim 1, wherein the items each have a same determined height and the cavities have a maximum height that is less than half the determined height.
 5. The presentation assembly according to claim 4, wherein the tray has a periphery with at least two parallel edges of which at least one has a maximum height that is less than the maximum height of the cavities.
 6. The presentation assembly according to claim 1, wherein the inner face has a substantially circular cross-section and extends continuously about a central axis of the cavity.
 7. The presentation assembly according to claim 1, wherein the two blocking edges that bear against one another are connected to one another at a breakable joining.
 8. The presentation assembly according to claim 7, wherein the breakable joining is formed between two straight outer edges of said two blocking edges.
 9. The presentation assembly according to claim 8, wherein the ratio between the length of the breakable joining and the diameter of the opening of the container is between 1:10 and 1:0.8.
 10. The presentation assembly according to claim 7, wherein the items are grouped into packs of exactly two items connected by the breakable joining.
 11. The presentation assembly according to claim 1, wherein the two blocking edges that bear against one another are separated without any attachment.
 12. The presentation assembly according to claim 1, wherein the tray is molded as a single piece.
 13. The presentation assembly according to claim 11, wherein the two blocking edges that bear against one another are straight outer edges configured to be separated by a maximum distance of less than 5 mm when the items are in the storage configuration.
 14. The presentation assembly according to claim 13, wherein each of the straight outer edges has a length higher by a factor of at least 10 to the maximum distance.
 15. The presentation assembly according to claim 4, wherein the two blocking edges that bear against one another are separated by a maximum distance of less than 3 mm.
 16. The presentation assembly according to claim 15, wherein the cavities have a maximum height that is less than or equal to one third the determined height.
 17. The presentation assembly according to claim 7, wherein the cavities have a maximum height that is less than or equal to one third the determined height. 